A defection and a resignation overshadow Tory party conference

The final Conservative party conference before the general election has been overshadowed by the resignation of a minister, Brooks Newmark, and the defection of a second MP to the UK Independence Party.

David Cameron described Mark Reckless's decision to leave the Conservatives for UKIP as 'counter-productive' and 'senseless'.

The stories have diverted attention away from the policy announcements, which include plans for a fresh cap on some benefits to pay for a million new apprenticeships as part of a plan to tackle youth unemployment and changes to pension tax laws.